**Naomi's POV**
Last night was a thrill. Sneaking out with Lian and Jung Soo felt like living a different life than the one I'm used to. Returning to the estate, my heart was still racing with excitement. I knew I'd be in trouble, but for once, I didn't care.
As we reached the gate, Jung Soo gave me an exasperated look. "Miss Kim, this can't become a habit. You know that, right?"
I gave him an innocent smile. "Of course, Jung Soo. Tonight was just a one-time thing."
He didn't seem convinced but nodded at Lian. "Good night, Miss Zhang. Please remember this was an exception."
Lian chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Understood, Jung Soo. Thanks for not dragging me out yourself."
Jung Soo grunted and walked off, clearly not as amused as we were. I couldn't help but stifle a giggle. Even Jung Soo couldn't deny that we'd won a small victory tonight.
Turning to Lian, who was casually leaning against the gate, I felt a bit shy. "Thanks for tonight. It was… fun."
Lian's smile was warm. "It was my pleasure, Naomi. I'm glad we did it."
For a moment, we stood in comfortable silence, the cool night air wrapping around us. It felt like we were in our own little world, far from the rules and expectations that usually surrounded me.
But reality started creeping back. I knew this couldn't last forever. I'd have to go back to my daily routine—meetings, public appearances, and the pressure to be perfect. It made my heart sink.
Lian must have noticed my change in mood because she gently touched my arm. "Hey, are you okay?"
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… thinking about what's next."
Lian looked at me thoughtfully. "You don't have to go back to how things were. You've started breaking out of that mold. Why stop now? Keep finding ways to live the life you want."
Her words hit me hard. Could I really do that? Push against the constraints that had held me back for so long? The idea was both terrifying and thrilling.
"I don't know if I can," I admitted quietly. "There's so much at stake…"
Lian smiled softly. "Maybe. But isn't it worth trying? Isn't your happiness worth fighting for?"
I looked into her eyes, seeing how sincere she was. For a moment, I wanted to believe that I could carve out a life that was truly mine.
"I'll think about it," I said, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement.
"That's all I'm asking," Lian replied, her smile widening. "Just… think about it."
**Lian's POV**
Seeing Naomi wrestling with her thoughts, I felt a surge of admiration. She was caught between duty and freedom. It was tough, but I sensed she was stronger than she realized.
As we stood under the stars, I wanted to be part of her journey. I wanted to help her find her way, but she had to make these choices for herself.
"Let's get you inside before Jung Soo comes back and drags you in himself," I teased to lighten the mood.
Naomi laughed, and it was like music to my ears. "Good idea. I've pushed my luck enough for one night."
We walked back to the gate, and as she was about to head inside, she turned to me. "Lian?"
"Yeah?"
"Would you… want to do this again sometime? If I manage to sneak out again?"
I grinned, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. "I'd like that."
She smiled back, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped. It was just the two of us, standing on the edge of something new and exciting.
"Good night, Lian," she said softly.
"Good night, Naomi," I replied, watching her disappear into the estate.
As I left, I couldn't shake the feeling that tonight had changed something between us. It was subtle, but it was there—a connection that was starting to form. And I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.
**Naomi's POV**
The next few days were a whirlwind. I replayed that night over and over, and it made me smile. But there was also a nagging feeling of unease, a fear that I was on dangerous ground.
Jung Soo was more vigilant than ever, watching me closely. It felt like he knew I was planning something, and I was. I couldn't stop thinking about Lian's words—that I didn't have to go back to the way things were. That I could keep pushing boundaries and find a life I wanted.
But what did that mean? Did it mean sneaking out whenever I wanted? Defying my parents, my father, the president? The thought made my stomach churn with anxiety, but there was also a small voice urging me to be bold, to take risks.
One evening, I was in my room, staring out the window at the city below, when I made a decision. I was going to see Lian again. I didn't know how or when, but I was going to make it happen.
But first, I had to deal with Jung Soo.
**Naomi's POV**
I knew sneaking out again wouldn't be easy with Jung Soo on high alert. I needed a plan—something clever to throw him off long enough for me to slip away.
At dinner, I casually mentioned wanting to spend some time alone in the gardens. It wasn't unusual for me to seek solitude after a long day. Jung Soo seemed to relax at the suggestion, thinking it would be easier to keep an eye on me if I stayed within the estate.
"I just need some fresh air," I said. "Maybe spend some time by the fountain, clear my head."
Jung Soo nodded, looking thoughtful. "I can arrange that. I'll have the guards keep a perimeter, but I'll give you some space."
I smiled inwardly. Perfect.
The next day, I went to the gardens, dressed in a simple outfit that wouldn't attract much attention. I wandered around, making sure Jung Soo saw me being my usual self. I even sat by the fountain, pretending to be lost in thought.
But all the while, I was plotting my escape.
I knew the gardens well enough to know there was a small gate at the far end leading to a secluded alley. It was rarely used, hidden by overgrown bushes and ivy. I had discovered it years ago and kept it a secret.
When I reached the gate, I pushed aside the ivy and slipped through, my heart pounding with excitement. I was free again, even if just for a little while.
**Lian's POV**
I was at the café where Naomi and I had met, sipping a latte and editing photos on my laptop. I couldn't stop thinking about her—how she looked at me that night, how she smiled, how she took my hand.
My phone buzzed. It was a text from Naomi.
*"Guess where I am? 😊"*
I smiled, already knowing she was up to something. *"Where?"* I replied.
*"At the little gate. Meet me?"*
I packed up and headed for the gate, excitement bubbling in my chest. When I arrived, Naomi was standing there, looking like a mischievous cat who had just gotten away with something.
"You really have a knack for sneaking out, don't you?" I teased.